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Roy Morelli Steps Up to the Plate
Eight-grader Roy Morelli can’t wait for baseball season to start so he can take his rightful place as shortstop for the Pilchuk All-Star team. Being on the All-Stars is just the warm-up for the big the varsity baseball team at the high school Roy will go to next year. But when Roy’s divorced parents find out he’s failing history, they make him quit the All-Stars. It’s not his fault the only thing interesting about history class is Valerie Hopkins, and she won’t even give Roy the time of day.
Now Roy is stuck on a losing team in the wimpy rec league, and instead of playing ball every spare minute, he’s spending his afternoons with a tutor—who just happens to be his dad’s brainiac girlfriend. If Roy’s going to impress the varsity baseball coach, he’s sure he should be looking out for number one, not wasting his time studying. After all, baseball is what Roy does best. But when his grades continue to slide and his teammates get tired of his know-it-all attitude, Roy Morelli will need to step up to the plate. . . .
Now Roy is stuck on a losing team in the wimpy rec league, and instead of playing ball every spare minute, he’s spending his afternoons with a tutor—who just happens to be his dad’s brainiac girlfriend. If Roy’s going to impress the varsity baseball coach, he’s sure he should be looking out for number one, not wasting his time studying. After all, baseball is what Roy does best. But when his grades continue to slide and his teammates get tired of his know-it-all attitude, Roy Morelli will need to step up to the plate. . . .
- GenresBaseball
240 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2010
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
March 1, 2019
I read the book Roy Morelli Steps Up to the Plate by Thatcher Heldring. This book is about an eighth-grade boy who is failing his history class. His divorced parents find out about his bad grade and they decide to make him quit the Pilchuck Baseball All-Star team. He also gets stuck with his dad’s brainiac girlfriend as his history tutor. He had everything planned out he would play for Coach Harden on the High School team next year and have girls following wherever he went. He has to play in the rec league with some of his friends. Throughout the season he teammates turn on him and want him to quit. Roy Morelli has to step up to the plate.
Throughout the book there are some cliffhangers, so the readers to keep on reading. In chapter 25, Roy is taking a history test and they just end the chapter without telling us how good he does. At the end of chapter 18, Roy’s teammate named Shane said, “Why don’t you just quit, Morelli?” the chapter ends and it doesn’t say what he does about what Shane had said. Another cliffhanger was in chapter 13. Roy’s teammate, Fish tells him “Don’t look at me, It’s because of you that I had to take sides in the first place.” Is Roy still going to be friends with Fish, but it, of course, the chapter ends and it doesn’t tell us.
I recommend this book to anybody that is a young athlete, that is from the age of 10-14. I chose this book because it was a baseball book and I play baseball. This book is a keep on edge type of book and very interesting. The book was predictable to me because Roy had planned his future and then have him end up not getting close just wouldn’t make sense. The book was more of an easier read for me because I’m in 7th grade. My favorite part was when Roy hit the home run when Coach Harden was there and Roy bowed to the stands. The author rushed the book because Roy is selfish and by the end of the book he is not selfish.
Throughout the book there are some cliffhangers, so the readers to keep on reading. In chapter 25, Roy is taking a history test and they just end the chapter without telling us how good he does. At the end of chapter 18, Roy’s teammate named Shane said, “Why don’t you just quit, Morelli?” the chapter ends and it doesn’t say what he does about what Shane had said. Another cliffhanger was in chapter 13. Roy’s teammate, Fish tells him “Don’t look at me, It’s because of you that I had to take sides in the first place.” Is Roy still going to be friends with Fish, but it, of course, the chapter ends and it doesn’t tell us.
I recommend this book to anybody that is a young athlete, that is from the age of 10-14. I chose this book because it was a baseball book and I play baseball. This book is a keep on edge type of book and very interesting. The book was predictable to me because Roy had planned his future and then have him end up not getting close just wouldn’t make sense. The book was more of an easier read for me because I’m in 7th grade. My favorite part was when Roy hit the home run when Coach Harden was there and Roy bowed to the stands. The author rushed the book because Roy is selfish and by the end of the book he is not selfish.
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January 20, 2021I read the book Roy Morelli Steps up to the plate. The author of the book was Toby Wheeler who was an eighth grade bench-warmer on his team. The book is for 8-12 graders. I couldn't find the lexile of the book. The book was about Roy Morelli who would have played on the all-star baseball team but when Roys divorced parents saw that he was failing history his parents made him quit the team.
I would say that the theme of Roy Morelli steps up to the plate is never give up and to also try your best no matter what. The reason I said the theme was to never give up is because in the book his parents made Roy quit the all-star team because he was getting bad grades. He then got put on the worst team who rarely even won a game. But he then got a tutor to see if he could get his grades up and see if he could be back on the all-star team. But he couldn't so he stayed on the team and even though he did not win a lot like he did on the other team he still gave and tried his hardest to help them win his coach said that there were six tools in baseball and one of them was your mental health. After he said that Roy carefully thinks about what he said and tried to become a better team player even though he never wanted to be on the team anyways.
One reason I liked to read the book was because it is a baseball book and Baseball is my favorite sport. I also like it because even though he got moved to a much worse team and could barely practice because he had to study with a tutor. Even though he didn't want to be on the team he still tried his hardest to make the team win. A couple of connections I had in this book was that we both played baseball and that we are both in the 8 grade and that we both want to get better at the game of basebal
I would say that the theme of Roy Morelli steps up to the plate is never give up and to also try your best no matter what. The reason I said the theme was to never give up is because in the book his parents made Roy quit the all-star team because he was getting bad grades. He then got put on the worst team who rarely even won a game. But he then got a tutor to see if he could get his grades up and see if he could be back on the all-star team. But he couldn't so he stayed on the team and even though he did not win a lot like he did on the other team he still gave and tried his hardest to help them win his coach said that there were six tools in baseball and one of them was your mental health. After he said that Roy carefully thinks about what he said and tried to become a better team player even though he never wanted to be on the team anyways.
One reason I liked to read the book was because it is a baseball book and Baseball is my favorite sport. I also like it because even though he got moved to a much worse team and could barely practice because he had to study with a tutor. Even though he didn't want to be on the team he still tried his hardest to make the team win. A couple of connections I had in this book was that we both played baseball and that we are both in the 8 grade and that we both want to get better at the game of basebal
October 11, 2018
Book Review
Roy Morelli Steps up to the plate is a novel by Thatcher Heldring. The book is about an eighth grader who is failing history. After his mom and dad find out they tell him that if he doesn't get his grade up he will get a tutor who is also his dad's girlfriend. But that's not the only problem Roy has with how bad his grade is his mom won’t let him be on the all-star team. Now Roy's life is ruined he had it all planned out with playing for Coach Harden and having the girls follow him, but he'll have to settle in the rec. League. And with his hole team against him, Roy will have to step up to the plate.
This book leaves some cliffhangers, so the readers will keep reading the book. One of them is Roy finished his final test in history and then a new chapter starts. Also when he runs away from his dads he was running in the street and a car comes and of course it starts a new chapter starts. Another one is Roy is getting in trouble than he can’t do something but then the chapter ends.
I think this book is good for 5th and 6th graders. I chose them because it was easier for me to read. The end of the book is way different from the beginning. The end of the book was my favorite part by far. I also made a few connections to the book as in some of my classes I was struggling and with help and studying, I started to do way better.
Roy Morelli Steps up to the plate is a novel by Thatcher Heldring. The book is about an eighth grader who is failing history. After his mom and dad find out they tell him that if he doesn't get his grade up he will get a tutor who is also his dad's girlfriend. But that's not the only problem Roy has with how bad his grade is his mom won’t let him be on the all-star team. Now Roy's life is ruined he had it all planned out with playing for Coach Harden and having the girls follow him, but he'll have to settle in the rec. League. And with his hole team against him, Roy will have to step up to the plate.
This book leaves some cliffhangers, so the readers will keep reading the book. One of them is Roy finished his final test in history and then a new chapter starts. Also when he runs away from his dads he was running in the street and a car comes and of course it starts a new chapter starts. Another one is Roy is getting in trouble than he can’t do something but then the chapter ends.
I think this book is good for 5th and 6th graders. I chose them because it was easier for me to read. The end of the book is way different from the beginning. The end of the book was my favorite part by far. I also made a few connections to the book as in some of my classes I was struggling and with help and studying, I started to do way better.
October 19, 2014
Roy Morelli Steps Up to the Plate by Thatcher Heldring is a very good book to read. It's about a boy named Roy Morelli that is on the Pilchuck Central all-star baseball team. He plays on this team to impress the next level coaches that are scouting all the local baseball trams. As Morelli is on the team he has to deal with a smart mouth named Derek Downer. Derek is like Roy's worst enemy. He always wants to try to get inside of Roy's head to make him screw up or something. As the season goes on Roy starts to get into "next level baseball." He is progressing in his baseball career and then tryouts come. These aren't just some ordinary tryouts. These are the tryouts for the Pilchuck Central Highschool with a coach that has sent to many to count to College baseball teams and 7 kids to the majors. It felt like the world stopped for Roy. Coach Harden was in the stands watching the young talent that he will have in his hands next year. On top of all that Roy also has to keep his grades up if he wants to play baseball for any team. What a struggle for this young man. Read the book Roy Morelli Steps Up to the Plate by Thatcher Heldring to keep up with Roy and journey through his baseball career.
I recommend this book to anyone that is a young athlete that is between the ages of 10 and 13. It is truly a good book to read if your looking for a interesting, keep you on the edge of your seat, type of book. It is a realistic fiction novel that kept me wanting to flip more pages.
I recommend this book to anyone that is a young athlete that is between the ages of 10 and 13. It is truly a good book to read if your looking for a interesting, keep you on the edge of your seat, type of book. It is a realistic fiction novel that kept me wanting to flip more pages.
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February 27, 2013Imagine, Bad grades, not being able to play baseball on your favorite league. These are the problems that Roy Morelli faces. He's looking forward to playing on the all star team for his city. But because of his grades, he's sent down to the rec league, which is the lowest of the low, the bottom rung of baseball leagues. His dad said that he has to get a tutor for his grade to go up, but guess what,his tutor is his dad's girlfriend. Roy is distraught and angry by this. What makes the situation worse, ever since joining the rec league, his two best friends won't hang out with him, because they think he is being too bossy. And to top it off, the girl he has a crush on hates him. Will any of these problems be resolved? Read to find out!
I thought that the book wasn't the best book I've ever read, nor did I think that it was a terrible piece of writing. The main reason I think this, is because, I know this is hard to believe if you haven't read the book, but it isn't realistic enough. The problems were kind of "forced into the plot". That would be the best way to put it. I think that the plot wasn't that bad, and that the conflict was throughout the entire book. The setting was also realistic. And the theme, which would spoil the ending, was delivered good. I think that if you are into sports, books about sports, or realistic fiction. You would like this book.
I thought that the book wasn't the best book I've ever read, nor did I think that it was a terrible piece of writing. The main reason I think this, is because, I know this is hard to believe if you haven't read the book, but it isn't realistic enough. The problems were kind of "forced into the plot". That would be the best way to put it. I think that the plot wasn't that bad, and that the conflict was throughout the entire book. The setting was also realistic. And the theme, which would spoil the ending, was delivered good. I think that if you are into sports, books about sports, or realistic fiction. You would like this book.
February 13, 2011
Roy Morelli is used to being the star on the baseball team, and starting on the travel team. It's spring of 8th grade, and he's counting on having an amazing season in order to impress the gruff high school coach, and earn a spot on next year's varsity team. Unfortunately, Roy's been paying more attention to how he's planning on looking in a varsity jacket, and not enough attention to his grades. When his mother steps in and announces that there will be no baseball until his grades come up, Roy is horrified. As a compromise, they agree that he will have a tutor and she will allow him to play on the rec center team. This is the team that has fooled around and lost every game for the last several years, and Roy decides he's going to shape them up, so he can still shine and earn his high school spot. There's a big difference between being a bossy showoff and being a team leader though. Roy has a lot to learn, on the field and off! Good realistic sports writing, and lots of great characters. 6th grade and up.
November 5, 2015
Roy Morelli is an 8th grade baseball player that has played on the Pilchuck All-Star team the past few years. This year since his misbehavior and failure of good grades in history, his parents decided he should spend less time on sports and more on school work. As a result they make him play on the Pilchuck Pirates baseball team in rec league, which his best friends play on. They have only won one game, and that was from forfeit. Next year he wants to play for the high school team and be starting shortstop, but Moochie Goodman (shortstop for the All-Star team) is getting more attention from the high school coach, coach Harden. Roy's father has a new girlfriend named Camille who is a history teacher at Roy's sister's school. She is the tutor of Roy and Valerie, which Roy doesn't like, Valerie is a girl that Roy likes. Find out if Roy will be a good-enough teammate to get his new team winning this season and passing his history class. There is only one way to find out, read "Roy Morelli Step Up To The Plate"!
April 28, 2015
I won this book on Goodreads First Reads Program.
I entered to win this hoping to share it with my 5th grade students, and it was definitely a hit! I had exhausted my supply of Matt Christopher and have a couple of boys who have literally read every single kid sports book out there and were chomping at the bit for more. This book definitely was a winner! It is currently being passed around the classroom - I haven't seen it in weeks, due to its popularity!
I entered to win this hoping to share it with my 5th grade students, and it was definitely a hit! I had exhausted my supply of Matt Christopher and have a couple of boys who have literally read every single kid sports book out there and were chomping at the bit for more. This book definitely was a winner! It is currently being passed around the classroom - I haven't seen it in weeks, due to its popularity!
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August 9, 2011One of the best sports books I have ever read. Excellent story deveopment and character interactions. Recommend this book to athletes who love the sport and try harder on the field then in the classroom. The author has an insiteful look into the mind of the athlete and the interactions from teachers, parents and peers. Overall the book examines the importance of good grades and being the best at whatever you do.
February 7, 2015
This book was very easy to because it was short and had easy vocabulary. Roy Morelli steps up to the plate describes typical problems of a student athlete. Although the book was very predictable, it was still a very fun read. I would recommend this book to an athlete or a student struggling in school.
August 28, 2010
This book seemed sparse to me although I will recommend it to my sports motivated reluctant readers because of the good messages: the importance of teamwork, the rewards of hard work, keep an open mind, etc.
August 10, 2014
Roy Morelli steps up to the plate is a great book about a boy who is great ball player but doesn't get good grades in history is not allowed to play allstars. He has to prove himself to his parents and to his fellow rec little league teammates.
April 20, 2010
Roy is selfish and doesn't give a lick about anybody but himself. The author tried to make Roy grow as a character but it was all forced. BLUCK!
September 24, 2010
Great book for boys. It stresses the important of school over sports. It has parent support for learning, and then how everyone can help some one learn.
May 6, 2014
I think that this book relates to me. He really likes baseball but his grades are not amazing and he has to step them up to keep playing. along the way he learns the 6th tool to baseball
March 10, 2016
Solid Book
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews